We Remember
BARTON, Kendrick
January 1, 1970 — January 1, 1970
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Kendrick Barton on Thursday, January 10, 2019.
Ken passed away peacefully at the age of 78 at Central Okanagan Hospice House with his wife Jo by his side after a year-long battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Jo, son Stephen (Joy), daughters Krista (Mike) and Sheri (Russ), grandchildren: Seth, Jonathan, Joel, Katelynn and Hailey, sister Heather of New Zealand, and brothers Ben (Bernice), Bruce and Roy (Marina) of England as well as extended family Jon (Suzanne), Allan (June), Patricia (Dietrich), Roger (Polly), Cam (Shinobu) and Tara. Grandchildren: Cassandra, Brandon, Bailey, Liam.
Ken was born in Stafford, England in 1940 to Jennie and Harold Barton. At an early age Ken had a fascination with nature and a spirit for adventure. It was this adventurous spirit that led him to Canada in 1959, ostensibly on an initial plan to work his way around the world. He spent his early time in Montreal, Canada working at a fashion house, a biscuit manufacturer, a tobacco farm and in construction, eventually finding his way to Vancouver, as he had two great aunts living in the area. Ken obtained employment with the then Imperial Bank of Canada, now CIBC, to which he was employed until his retirement in Vernon in 1997. He enjoyed commercial/agriculture lending and Branch Management which took the family to various communities throughout BC and Yukon, including Watson Lake, White Rock, Burns Lake, Prince George, Kitimat, Quesnel and Vernon. Ken had a strong belief in community involvement, some of which included President of Chamber of Commerce in Kitimat (1981/1982) and Quesnel (1983/1984), Quesnel Tourism Advisory Committee (1983/1986), Treasurer – Cariboo Tourist Association (1984/1986), City of Vernon Economic Advisory Board member (1987/1988), Treasurer and member of the North Okanagan Organic Association (1996-2004). Ken was a proud and long-time member of the Silver Star Rotary Club serving in various committee and officer capacities where he gained many lifelong friendships. His passion for nature and preserving habitats led him to take on various positions within the Allan Brooks Nature Centre Society (Vernon). After retirement, he owned and operated a certified organic market garden in Vernon with his wife Dorothy (nee: Jackson) up until her passing in 2004. In 2005, Ken married Jo Garrard and moved to Kelowna where they enjoyed golfing and traveled extensively over the next 12 years visiting family, friends and faraway places.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Central Okanagan Hospice House for their care and support in making his last days comfortable. The care and compassion shown to Ken and the family over his time there was very much appreciated.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring. At Ken’s request, in lieu of flowers, if family and friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Allan Brooks Nature Centre in Vernon.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”
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At Ken’s request, in lieu of flowers, if family and friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Allan Brooks Nature Centre in Vernon: 250 Allan Brooks Way, Vernon, BC V1T 9L4 Link: www.abnc.ca
Condolences
We are so sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. We have many fond memories of Ken and Jo and Dorothy. He was a wonderful man!
I am so sorry to hear of Kens passing. Have very fond memories of our days in Burns Lake.
I’m so very sorry to hear about this terrible loss. Ken was such a great person, kind and sincere. I’ll always remember the times we met. I pray for all of you, that you may have peace and comfort at this very sad time.
So sad to hear Ken passed. I worked with Ken at CIBC Vernon and always will remember how he treated both coworkers and his many clients with courtesy, compassion, and kindness. Your gentle nature left its mark on me.
We first met Ken as a key leader in the establishment of the Allan Brooks Nature Centre. His broad knowledge, energy and tenacity was so inspiring. He was a valued member of Rotary, and an adventurous spirit. Your community and friends will miss you, Ken! Condolences to Jo, and family.
Pic is from ABNC opening day (2000).
I’m so sorry that Ken has been taken from us. He was instrumental in establishing the ABNC and its enduring society and ensuring the centre’s success. It had some tough times and I dare say Ken ensured it stay open – even without any single source of continual funding. I will miss his bubbly, cheerful laugh and encouragement. Ken was a good man!
I had the pleasure of getting to know Ken through Rotary over the past decade. He combined intelligence, compassion, loyalty, humour, adventure & other admirable characteristics in a friendly manner that was hard to match, & easy to admire. Rest In Peace, Ken!
I got to know Ken initially thru Silver Star Rotary, and instantly gravitated to his congenial manner, and truly ingrained sense of “Service above Self.” He subsequently asked me to join the Allan Brooks Board, a role I maintain to this day with continued zeal instilled in my by Ken. While Ken and I may not have been close friends, I will always be thankful to him, and keep him in my heart as an example of what the human spirit strives to exemplify. Ken, your smile and commitment to a better community and world will be missed.
Ken displayed his love for life, family, others, the community, the environment in all things that he did. The world is a better place.
Ken displayed his love for life, family, others, the community, the environment… in all things that he did. The world is a better place. I’ve attached a picture of Ken with Tom Christianson 2005 at a Silver Star Rotary Meeting. Ken’s smile says it all!
Ken at SSR event… smiling as usual
Kens Rotary Membership Directory pic 2005
Dear Jo, Stephen, Krista, Sheri and all the family
I was so sorry to hear about the passing of Ken. I’ll always remember his warmth, wit, friendliness and genuine interest in others. Rest in peace Uncle Ken.
Love to you all
Louise xxxx
Ken was such a wonderful man! I’m so happy I got to work with him at Allan Brooks Nature Centre, even if it was only a short time. His passion and his love of nature are an inspiration. He will be dearly missed…and never forgotten. Sending my thoughts and love to your family.
Very sad to hear to Ken’s passing, I took over for Ken at CIBC when he retired and appreciated the time he took with a very young learning banker. Ken was a kind and giving man and I know many of his former Clients in Vernon valued the years he spent looking after them. Our very first day out visiting clients Ken was kind enough to bring and extra pair of gumboots for the “Rookie” as he knew we would be up to our ankles in Cow manure …thanks Ken I never forgot that.
Very sorry to hear of Ken’s passing. It was a distinct pleasure to have known him and like many great men, he will not be replaced. My sympathies to his family and friends.